Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)is an independent organisation which investigates complaints for the violation of human rights. Human rights is the fundamental rights of each person, regardless of heritage, race, skin color, religion, political views, believes or where we live.
Research Title: Study and Analysis on the Protection Risk of Sabah’s most vulnerable children (documented, undocumented and stateless children)
Post Title: Research Consultant
Project Duration: 12 months from the date on the letter of appointment or completion of all the specified deliverables
Expected Starting Date: July 2024
Ayuh bersama sertai Pertandingan Deklamasi Sajak Hak Asasi Manusia 2024 anjuran Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) dengan sokongan Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia (KPM). Pertandingan ini adalah terbuka kepada semua pelajar sekolah rendah dan menengah di seluruh Malaysia.
Maklumat lanjut pertandingan, rujuk di bawah:
Pada 6 Mac 2024 telah berlangsungnya momen bersejarah pelancaran Logo SUHAKAM bersempena dengan ulangtahun ke-25 penubuhannya di Hotel Sunway Georgetown, Pulau Pinang.
Pelancaran logo SUHAKAM ke-25 tahun itu telah dijayakan oleh barisan Pesuruhjaya yang diketuai oleh Naib Pengerusi Tuan Ragunath Kesavan serta Pesuruhjaya Dato’ Noor Aziah Mohd Awal, Datuk Mariati Robert, Dr. Chew Chee Ming, Datuk Mohamad Nordin Ibrahim, Dr. Farah Nini Dusuki dan YM Tengku Mohamed Fauzi Tengku Abdul Hamid.
Tahniah diucapkan kepada SUHAKAM dan seluruh warga kerjanya di atas ulangtahun ke-25 penubuhannya!
#SUHAKAM25TAHUN
#hakasasiuntuksemua
#humanrightsforall
The year 2023, marking the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, was a paradoxical period in human rights history. This pivotal year celebrated the strides made since the Declaration’s inception while also confronting the harsh realities of ongoing human rights crises across the globe.
Global Human Rights Challenges
Despite this milestone, we witnessed grave violations of human rights that shook the global community. We condemn the attack and taking of hostages and killing of Israeli civilians on 7 October 2023 but the disproportionate attack and killings of more than 20000 civilians and the annihilation of Gaza by the full might of the Israeli army with full support from the United States is genocide.
The role of external powers, especially the United States, in the Gaza conflict has underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics and hypocrisy on international human rights and its universality. The United States unconditional support for Israel with a caveat that “killing of civilians in Gaza should be in a gentle and kinder manner” or “civilian deaths should be minimised” is shocking untenable and so obviously skewered that Palestinian lives matter much less than Israeli ones.
This stance, coupled with the United States’ complicity in providing military aid and support, exposed a harsh truth: even powerful states blatantly condone or escalate human right abuses whenever convenient or suitable for their political purpose.
SUHAKAM continues to fully support and endorse the Government’s initiative in advocating for international action against Israel. SUHAKAM shall rally support from National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) globally, at both regional and international forums, and through any other feasible actions necessary to promote this objective.
This commitment underlines the importance of collaborative efforts and international solidarity in addressing and resolving human rights violations on a global scale.
Human Rights Progress in Malaysia
We welcome the Government’s efforts to address human rights issues domestically, such as significant legislative reforms which includes the repeal, amendment, and enactment of various laws. Notably, the Government abolished the mandatory death penalty, expanded the scope and ambit of Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, and proceeded to decriminalise suicide.
Additionally, the introduction of an anti-stalking provision under Section 507A of the Penal Code and the emphasis on mental health protection are examples of meaningful progress made in 2023.
The Federal Court has also been proactive through judicial activism in the strengthening of rights pursuant to the Federal Constitution in striking out ruling that Section 498 of the Penal Code which stated that enticing married women was unconstitutional as it violated the principle of equality.
Numerous decisions of the Courts in upholding citizenship rights of children that had long been neglected and ignored by the Government, have now been restored their citizenship as provided for under the Federal Constitution. We urge the Government to steadfastly proceed with institutional reforms especially in respect of citizenship provisions to ensure that our children would not be “punished” under the guise of national security.
The restructuring and separation of the role of the Public Prosecutor is ongoing and reforms to all the major enforcement agencies including the prisons must be carried out to enhance accountability and transparency.
The Government must ensure that there will be strict adherence to the rule of law and proceed to amend or repeal various provisions the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) and The Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (POCA) to ensure that rights of accused persons are protected to the full extent of the law.
Institutional Reforms and Ambitious Goals
The amendments to SUHAKAM Act were a significant stride towards ensuring that SUHAKAM’s operation will be carried out independently and with integrity. This amendment underscores the Government’s dedication to human rights and reflects a commitment to inclusive and diverse representation such as gender balance and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the Commission. Through the amendment, SUHAKAM aims to better safeguard and promote human rights within Malaysia, ensuring that all societal groups are adequately represented, and their rights are duly protected. Furthermore, the Bill also aims to strengthen the Children Commissioner’s role by institutionalizing and expanding the Office of Children’s Commissioner (OCC) within SUHAKAM.
As a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) in Malaysia, it is important to maintaining a team of Commissioners who are not only knowledgeable but also deeply committed their work towards the protection and promotion of the rights of marginalised communities and vulnerable groups such as children, women, and persons with disabilities.
The Road Ahead for SUHAKAM
Looking ahead to 2024, SUHAKAM continues to focus on laying the groundwork for Malaysia’s accession to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICCPED), the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT), and the 1951 Refugee Convention. Our goal for 2024 includes intensifying our efforts to address poverty among teenage girls and preparing white papers on climate change, prison reform, and refugees. We acknowledge the importance of community engagement in highlighting human rights awareness, and hence we will continue our work with communities and monitoring of all detention places.
At the international level, SUHAKAM, in collaboration with fellow Southeast Asian National Human Rights Institutions, will move forward with initiative to establish a public inquiry panel which has been designed to tackle cross-border human rights challenges effectively within the region.
SUHAKAM pledged to remain steadfast in our commitment to address the issues faced by all vulnerable groups. We are also looking forward to delving into and exploring emerging issues, such as the interplay between digital rights, technology, and their impact on human rights.
Despite the complexities and challenges encountered in 2023, SUHAKAM would like to extend our greatest gratitude for the unwavering support to all of our stakeholders. Their commitment in creating a safer environment for human rights protection, both in Malaysia and abroad, remains, offering a beacon of hope as we grapple with intricate human rights issues in Malaysia and also worldwide. As we move into 2024 and beyond, SUHAKAM’s resolve to stand firm in the pursuit of a more just and equitable world underscores their dedication to protecting and upholding human rights for all.
Imagine a world where human beings are traded like commodities, robbed of their freedom, and subjected to unspeakable horrors. It is a reality that exists in the shadows, hidden from the prying eyes of society. But today, we vow to bring this hidden world into the light, reach every victim of trafficking, and leave no one behind.
In this battle against human trafficking, education is the greatest weapon. Through awareness and understanding, we can empower ourselves and others to recognize the signs, break the silence, and take action. It’s about choosing to open our eyes, coming together, and saying, “Enough is enough!”
Is Forced Labour Human Trafficking?
Forced labour represents[1] a grim reality where victims are compelled or involuntarily made to work under harsh and exploitative circumstances. This distressing outcome often arises from human trafficking, where victims become vulnerable and controlled, leading to their exploitation in forced labour, resembling modern-day slavery. It is deeply intertwined with this insidious crime.
Like two sides of the same coin, they share a connection that cannot be ignored. In the minds of many, the terms “forced labour” and “trafficking in persons” are used interchangeably although they’re very distinct. It is a stark reminder that even within the intricate web of human trafficking, forced labour stands tall as a distinct but closely related manifestation of one of the most severe forms of exploitation that needs to be prohibited.
The Stories of Survivors[2]
Back in 2015, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) and Fortify Rights had published a report entitled “Sold Like Fish”. This report was based on investigations carried out over a number of years involving large numbers of human trafficking victims from Myanmar and Bangladesh to Thailand and Malaysia from 2012 to 2015. The report contains stories and experiences of brave souls who have endured unimaginable pain and suffering.
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“We only had skin and bones.” – Rohingya woman, 25, from Aung Mingalar, Sittwe
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“Every day, someone died.” – “Rahim Ullah”, 16, Rohingya trafficking survivor, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2014
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Their resilience inspires us to fight for justice and to create a world where no one is forced into modern-day slavery.
The traffickers did not spare children from the beatings. A Rohingya widow, 27, and her five children from Sittwe Township in Myanmar’s Rakhine State boarded a ship operated by human traffickers in March 2015, she shared that:
“Sometimes, the crew would beat the children. My children were beaten. Whenever the children cried, they would be beaten. At lunchtime, when the children started to get hungry, they’d cry; at this time, the crew would beat them. The beating wasn’t very forceful, but the children would be in pain for a couple of days. Their skin bruised and became swollen.”
The survivor’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination that can arise in the face of unimaginable adversity. Their experience underscores the critical need to support and empower survivors, raise awareness, and hold traffickers accountable.
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Twenty-year-old Foyas said he witnessed dozens of deaths during his three-week period of confinement in a makeshift human-trafficking camp on the Malaysia – Thailand border in early 2014:
“The rain caused many problems. Many people died. Many people were swelling. At least 30 people died.”
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“Fatima”, 20, said traffickers beat her husband while they were at sea:
“The dallals beat people who asked for more food or water, including my husband. The dallals beat my husband at least five times. They hit him with a stick, and he suffered some bleeding and injuries. Some people were so thirsty, they started drinking seawater.“
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We must remember that human trafficking knows no boundaries, it happens on the land and on the sea. It transcends borders, cultures, and social classes. It infiltrates our communities, preying on vulnerability and desperation.
Climate Change is the New Threat[3]
Climate change significantly amplifies the risk of human trafficking, especially among marginalized communities. Environmental fluctuations exacerbate factors like economic challenges, gender and identity discrimination, inadequate legal safeguards, and ongoing conflicts, thereby increasing the vulnerability to human trafficking. Additionally, as climate change induces migration, the likelihood of human trafficking escalates, further impacting more severely certain groups, including migrants, women, children, and minority populations, who are more exposed to exploitation due to these circumstances.
Climate change increases the risk of natural disasters, exacerbates poverty, and creates conditions for conflict and instability. Combined with labour demand-supply mismatches and unscrupulous recruitment agencies, vulnerable populations resort to risky behaviours, falling prey to human trafficking and exploitation. Sadly, this climate-trafficking nexus remains overlooked in global discussions and policy frameworks.
Unwavering Hope: Malaysia’s Journey in Combating Human Trafficking
Even in the face of challenges, there is hope. Malaysia’s journey through the United States’ Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, is a tale of resilience and progress. Over the span of a decade, Malaysia underwent a transformative journey in combating human trafficking.
Initially placed in “Tier 3” in 2013-2014, the nation grappled with significant challenges. However, progress made in 2015-2016 propelled Malaysia to the “Tier 2 Watch List”, marking a notable improvement in its efforts. Malaysia was in “Tier 2” in 2017, indicating that the Government had made significant commitments to ensure improvement of its compliance. However, from 2018 to 2020, Malaysia was categorised on the Tier 2 Watch List and in 2021 and 2022 declined to Tier 3.
Yet, the narrative shifts towards hope again in 2023. Malaysia reclaims its position on the “Tier 2 Watch List”, showcasing progress in combating human trafficking.
These placements indicate how Malaysia is assessed by the U.S. Government in meeting the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking, as outlined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA). “Tier 3” denotes the lowest compliance level, “Tier 2 Watch List” includes governments striving to meet Tier 2 standards but haven’t achieved full compliance as yet and “Tier 2” represents significant efforts towards compliance.
We can be the change-makers
In the light of this, SUHAKAM, together with Government agencies and supportive stakeholders have played a crucial role in raising awareness and combatting human trafficking in the country. The commission has noted its grave concern over the issue and has openly urged the Government to take effective measures by enhancing legal and regulatory frameworks to address human trafficking.
Education and awareness are emphasized by SUHAKAM as critical tools to tackle human trafficking. To this end, SUHAKAM has provided extensive training for law enforcement officials, civil society organizations, and the general public to increase their understanding of this issue and enhance their ability to combat it. In the realm of justice, SUHAKAM has been urging for full protection and assistance to be provided to trafficked and smuggled victims, aligned with international standards set by the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children.[4]
Bring the voices of hope for the voiceless
This year as we commemorate “World Day Against Trafficking in Persons”, we stand united with a shared purpose, let our commitment be to reach every victim of trafficking, leaving no one behind. From the standpoint of SUHAKAM, we wholeheartedly offer our strong support and unwavering encouragement in the fight against trafficking in persons. Complaints regarding human trafficking have constantly been lodged with SUHAKAM over the years. Although it is not an enforcement agency for transnational crimes, SUHAKAM has been acting as a bridge between complainants and enforcement agencies to ensure that immediate and appropriate action is taken on every complaint. SUHAKAM also regularly inspect shelters for trafficking victims, advocating for heightened awareness and upholding their human rights from rescue to rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Together, we can protect the rights and dignity of every individual, eradicate trafficking networks, and provide the necessary support for survivors to rebuild their lives. Let’s create a world where no one falls victim to such atrocities, and where human rights are upheld for all.
[1] International Labour Organization (ILO) Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29), Article 2(1) defines forced labour as: “all work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the said person has not offered himself [or herself] voluntarily”.
[2] “Sold Like Fish” Crimes Against Humanity, Mass Graves, and Human Trafficking from Myanmar and Bangladesh to Malaysia from 2012 to 2015 (2019)
[3] United States Department of State: 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP Report)
https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Trafficking-in-Persons-Report-2023.pdf
[4] SUHAKAM Press Statement No.18-2023_ Malaysia’s Improved Ranking in U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report Demonstrates Progress in Combating Human Trafficking https://suhakam.org.my/2023/06/press-statement-no-18-2023_-malaysias-improved-ranking-in-u-s-trafficking-in-persons-report-demonstrates-progress-in-combating-human-trafficking-kenyataan-media-suhakam-no-18-2023_kedudukan-mala/#:~:text=SUHAKAM%20commends%20the%20concerted%20efforts,potential%20sanctions%20on%20local%20products.
SUHAKAM, Centre for Independent Journalism Malaysia (CIJ) and Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) will be launching a #ThereIsHelp Search Prompt for Freedom of Expression as an effort to provide access to information to important resources in a timely manner when it is needed the most via Twitter platform.
The launch will be held today at 9.00am and feel free to join the discussion to discuss about #ThereIsHelp freedom of expression via Twitter Spaces, with CIJ, LFL and Twitter representative at the following date and time:
Date: 30 May 2022
Time: 4.00PM (MY time)Link : https://twitter.com/i/spaces/1djxXPpwQAXxZ?s=20
14 JAN 2022
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) is an independent Commission, established by the Malaysian Parliament under the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 (Act 597), for the promotion and protection of human rights in Malaysia. Section 2 of Act 597 defines “human rights” as the fundamental liberties enshrined in Part II of the Federal Constitution. Additionally, the Act 597 authorises SUHAKAM to give regard the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in undertaking its functions, so long as it is not inconsistent with the Federal Constitution of Malaysia. Towards this, SUHAKAM is mandated by Section 4 (1) of Act 597 to promote awareness of, and provide education in relation to human rights; to advise and assist the Government in formulating legislation and administrative directives and procedures and recommend the necessary measures to be taken; to recommend to the Government with regard to the subscription or accession of treaties and other international instruments in the field of human rights; and to inquire into complaints regarding infringements of human rights.
In the course of fulfilling its duties for over 20 years, it is apparent to SUHAKAM that its capacity and effectiveness in performing its roles and functions are contingent upon its independence and ability to act conscientiously. SUHAKAM takes great effort to ensure this, not only to meet the requirements as stated in the Paris Principles[1], but more importantly, to maintain its credibility amongst the Malaysian public as an institution that performs its duties impartially and without fear or favour in order to promote and protect human rights in Malaysia. As such, while SUHAKAM takes serious consideration of all views provided by stakeholders from different extremes and of differing aspirations, SUHAKAM’s decisions and stances on human rights are made independently and in line with the parameters given by Act 597. Additionally, guided by Section 7(4) of Act 597, SUHAKAM endeavours, as far possible, to make all decisions by consensus of its members.
In spite of the above, there appears to be continued misunderstanding by certain quarters, about SUHAKAM’s status, roles, and functions. These misconceptions have become more apparent recently based on reactions from certain individuals and groups following SUHAKAM’s bold decision to take up issues that may be seen by some as “controversial” and not in keeping with the Malaysian social context. Some have even alleged that SUHAKAM only champions perverse issues while ignoring core human rights issues that affect the lives of grassroot communities.
In light of these, and consistent with SUHAKAM’s motto “Human Rights for All”, SUHAKAM wishes to correct some of the misconceptions about SUHAKAM and its way of work towards the promotion and protection of human rights in Malaysia:
“SUHAKAM is western-centric”
Undeniably, SUHAKAM has had its fair share of criticisms from different stakeholders in the country due to their differing perceptions and expectations of SUHAKAM. Some still hold on to the view that SUHAKAM has not lived up to their expectations while others continue to see SUHAKAM as being ‘pro-NGO’ or an institution that blindly follows western concepts due to its many statements and stances that were critical of the authorities or seen as challenging cultural relativism.
In reality, SUHAKAM’s positions take into consideration the local contexts and are not made in silo.
Since the very beginning of its inception, SUHAKAM has built in its way of work, platforms for stakeholders’ consultations on which, individuals and groups with interest are invited to provide their concerns and views on arising human rights issues as well as expectations of changes that need to be made in the country to ensure meaningful human rights progress. In conducting these consultations, SUHAKAM goes to great lengths to ensure that local individuals and groups, including CSOs of diverse backgrounds are engaged, aside from its regional and international partners. Some of the key stakeholders engaged by SUHAKAM include religious groups, women, children, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and many more. One example is the current initiative by SUHAKAM to improve the conditions of places of detention in Malaysia to ensure that such places meet, among others, the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. Aside from persons in custody, SUHAKAM made sure that it consulted the relevant Ministries, agencies and officers involved from the start of the initiative. As a result, SUHAKAM’s recommendations to the Government on this matter include not only improvements that could better protect the rights of persons in custody, but also the rights of officers to have safe, clean and healthy working environment.
Another example is SUHAKAM’s promotion work to combat torture. SUHAKAM initiated the formation, and is currently part of a coalition known as the ACT4CAT Coalition[2]. Other than SUHAKAM, members of the Coalition include the Bar Council, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM), Amnesty International (AI), Lawyers for Liberty (LFL), Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN). Members of the coalition works together to advocate for Malaysia’s ratification of the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT)[3]. The Coalition actively seeks other CSOs to join the initiative including faith-based organisations. In 2019, SUHAKAM hosted a regional dialogue on UNCAT which aimed to explore best practices of other States towards the accession and implementation of UNCAT at the domestic level. In getting wider views and perspectives on this issue, SUHAKAM invited local representatives from government agencies, civil society organisations, medical practitioners, NHRIs, academics to the dialogue to ensure the domestic context is considered.
Another example is in 2016, SUHAKAM embarked on a study on discrimination against transgender persons based in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor relating to their rights to employment, healthcare, education, housing and dignity. Discussions were conducted with various groups including faith-based and human rights organisations, as well as individuals who work with them. The report was then published in March 2019 and one of the recommendations is for this community to be able to enjoy full range of human rights without exception and discrimination.
The above are consultation examples on a plethora of human rights issues carried out by SUHAKAM and are made evident in SUHAKAM’s annual reports since year 2000. The consultations conducted by SUHAKAM ensure that local views and contexts form part of the key considerations.
“SUHAKAM disrespects the Federal Constitution”
SUHAKAM abides by its founding legislation, Act 597, in undertaking its functions which includes the promotion and protection of human rights as defined in Part II of the Federal Constitution, as well as guided by the UDHR. Accordingly, SUHAKAM strives to reflect this in all its work.
Be that as it may, Section 4(1)(b) of Act 597 provides that SUHAKAM is also responsible “to advise and assist the Government in formulating legislation and administrative directives and procedures and recommend the necessary measures to be taken”. Based on this provision, SUHAKAM has persistently provided recommendations to the government on improvements to domestic laws to ensure that they attain the universally accepted common standard of achievement for all peoples set forth in the UDHR. Moreover, SUHAKAM has been consulted and invited by various Ministries to be in various law review committees to ensure that the human rights perspective is considered in the formulation and review of laws. Some of them include the Special Project Team on the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill (2019), Anti-Discrimination against Women Bill, Special Committee on alternatives to mandatory death penalty. SUHAKAM is involved in many other law review committees set up by the Government.
In this respect, the Government of Malaysia has demonstrated strong commitment to make the necessary changes; for example, the formulation and review of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (Act 736) and abolition of the Internal Security Act 1960 (Act 82). Even the supreme law of the land, the Federal Constitution of Malaysia was amended in July 2001 to include the term “gender” as a basis for non-discrimination, in line with Malaysia’s international commitment.
SUHAKAM will continue to render its assistance to the government in reforming our domestic laws to reflect the Country’s international human rights commitment, including rights categorised as non-derogable.
“SUHAKAM’s positions contradict religious teachings and the Malaysian culture”
SUHAKAM respects freedom of religion as it itself is a human right. SUHAKAM also respects that Islam is the religion of the Federation, and that other religions may be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the Federation, as provided by Article 3(1) of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia.
SUHAKAM is disturbed by recent allegations that some of its positions were seen as subtle attacks on certain faith(s). SUHAKAM reiterates that in forming its stances, it is guided by the Federal Constitution of Malaysia as well as the UDHR as allowed by Act 597.
SUHAKAM is of the view that all religions demand for justice, equality and dignity, which also form the cornerstones of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia as well as international human rights standards. On the basis of the supremacy of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia, the practice of religion must yield to the fundamental human rights protections afforded by the Constitution. In addition, the Federal Constitution makes clear in Article 75 of Part VI that “‘If any State law is inconsistent with a federal law, the federal law shall prevail and the State law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void.”
“SUHAKAM only champions perverse matters and ignores real grassroot issues”
SUHAKAM underscores that this assumption is unfounded and blatantly false. SUHAKAM has worked on a wide range of human rights issues involving both economic, social, cultural rights as well as civil and political rights themes. In terms of complaints received for instance, between 2017-2021, SUHAKAM received a total of 4,510 complaints from all over Malaysia. Based on the complaints received, SUHAKAM investigated issues such as the right to a standard of living, work, education, health, social security, citizenship, racial discrimination, freedom of movement, expression, assembly, association, religion and many more. SUHAKAM also reaches out to communities through its Meet-the-People Session (SUHAKAM Bersama Masyarakat) to, among others, provide a platform for the local communities to bring to SUHAKAM’s attention existing grassroot human rights issues affecting their lives.
In addressing those thematic issues, and consistent with Article 8(1) and (2) of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia, SUHAKAM takes consideration of the lived realities of vulnerable groups and grassroot communities. They include women, children, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, refugees, migrants, and many others. Moreover, SUHAKAM upholds the position that all human beings, irrespective of their backgrounds, are born free and equal in worth, dignity and rights.
SUHAKAM’s current Five-Year Strategic Plan 2021-2025 – that is publicly accessible in its website – shows the extensive human rights focus areas being addressed by SUHAKAM including, among others, advancing economic, social and cultural rights especially for vulnerable groups, combating xenophobia, racism and racial discrimination, and enhancing the realisation of children’s rights. This, together with the fact that SUHAKAM’s annual reports – that record the breadth of human rights themes addressed and vulnerable groups engaged by SUHAKAM – debunks this baseless allegation.
SUHAKAM will continue to address arising human rights issues in Malaysia without fear or favour. This will include addressing human rights matters that may be seen as unpopular by certain quarters. In addition, SUHAKAM will, if the need arises, speak on behalf of any oppressed and vulnerable communities in the country, who may, otherwise, be rendered voiceless due to political and social pressure. In this regard, SUHAKAM also underscores the need for its annual report to be debated by Parliament so that all human rights issues affecting vulnerable groups in Malaysia can be addressed effectively by the Government.
SUHAKAM has consistently adopted independent and fair positions in addressing human rights issues and while its statements are sometimes critical on some policies and actions which are inconsistent with the international human rights principles and norms, SUHAKAM’s positions are always constructive in character and impelled by the need to encourage the country to move forward towards becoming a nation with exemplary human rights standards and performance.
[1] Principles relating to the Status of National Institutions (The Paris Principles) was adopted by General Assembly resolution 48/134 of 20 December 1993 . The Paris Principles set out the minimum standards that NHRIs must meet in aspects of, among others, NHRIs’ legal standing, independence, powers, mandate, and resources to be considered as credible and effective. In June 2021, SUHAKAM was reaccredited ‘A’ status by the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) of the Global Alliance for National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) denoting that SUHAKAM fully complies with the Paris Principles. https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/statusofnationalinstitutions.aspx
[2] See more information about the ACT4CAT Coalition and its activities at https://www.facebook.com/ACT4CAT/
[3] The UNCAT which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1984, aims to prevent torture and other acts of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment; https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/cat.aspx
TEMA
“Perpaduan Nasional dalam Kepelbagaian: Malaysia Prihatin Kemakmuran Bersama”
Terma dan syarat-syarat pertandingan:
a) Pertandingan adalah terbuka kepada semua murid Tahun 1 sehingga Tahun 6 serta murid Tingkatan 1 sehingga Tingkatan 5 yang sedang menuntut di sekolah ATHAM sepanjang tempoh pertandingan dijalankan. Peserta mestilah tergolong dalam salah satu kategori yang dipertandingkan.
b) Penyertaan mestilah dihantar melalui pihak sekolah masing-masing selewat-lewatnya pada 25 Jun 2021. Penyertaan yang dihantar secara individu atau orang perseorangan tidak akan diterima.
c) Pidato mesti disampaikan dalam Bahasa Melayu sahaja.
d) Tajuk pidato yang disampaikan mestilah menepati tema yang telah ditetapkan.
e) Tempoh penyampaian pidato adalah antara enam (6) hingga lapan (8) minit. Markah akan dipotong sekiranya penyampaian pidato kurang dari enam (6) minit atau lebih dari lapan (8) minit.
f) Peserta digalakkan merujuk kepada dokumen rasmi berkaitan hak asasi manusia seperti Perisytiharan Hak Asasi Manusia Sejagat 1948 (UDHR) dan Konvensyen Mengenai Hak Kanak-kanak (CRC) bagi mendapatkan maklumat sokongan yang tepat kepada hujah yang ingin diutarakan.
g) Penyertaan perlu dihantar dalam bentuk video bersama skrip pidato yang disampaikan. Video penyertaan berserta skrip pidato mesti dihantar melalui emel di alamat pidatoatham@suhakam.org.my. Sekiranya saiz video besar, muat naik video PERTANDINGAN PIDATO ANTARA SEKOLAH-SEKOLAH ATHAM 2021 ANJURAN BERSAMA SURUHANJAYA HAK ASASI MANUSIA MALAYSIA (SUHAKAM) DAN KEMENTERIAN PENDIDIKAN MALAYSIA (KPM) ke dalam platform Google Drive. Sila nyatakan perkara atau tajuk emel seperti format berikut: Tajuk pidato – Kategori – Nama sekolah.
Contoh: Kepentingan Perpaduan Demi Kemakmuran – Kategori 2 – Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Utama, Kuala Lumpur.
h) Skrip pidato yang disampaikan mestilah asli. Sebarang plagiat hasil kerja sedia ada yang telah atau belum diterbitkan tidak dibenarkan sama sekali. Pihak penganjur berhak untuk membatalkan mana-mana penyertaan sekiranya karya peserta bukan bersifat asli.
i) Setiap penyertaan perlu dihantar bersama borang penyertaan yang telah lengkap diisi dengan maklumat yang tepat dan disahkan oleh pihak sekolah masing-masing (sama ada Guru Besar/Pengetua, Guru Penolong Kanan atau wakil guru yang berkenaan). Borang penyertaan boleh diperoleh di bahagian Lampiran.
j) Keputusan pertandingan akan ditentukan sepenuhnya oleh panel juri yang telah dipilih dan bersifat muktamad. Sebarang bantahan tidak akan dilayan.
k) Pihak penganjur berhak untuk menyunting, memuat naik atau menerbitkan setiap video penyertaan tanpa mengubah maksud asal yang ingin disampaikan bagi tujuan program dan aktiviti hak asasi manusia yang dianjurkan. Nama peserta dalam video berkenaan akan dinyatakan bagi mengekalkan karya asal penyertaan.
l) Semua peserta akan menerima sijil penyertaan manakala pemenang akan menerima hadiah berupa wang tunai dan sijil. Sekolah yang diwakili oleh para pemenang setiap kategori akan menerima sijil penghargaan.
m) Sebarang pertanyaan boleh hubungi pihak urusetia pertandingan di talian 012-337 1423 atau 03-2612 5683 atau emel kepada pidatoatham@suhakam.org.my.
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